Parade Marshal

The Elbert County Fair Board is proud to honor the Joe and Judy Freund family and Running Creek Ranch as the 2026 Elbert County Fair Parade Marshals.The Freund Family has been a huge asset to the Elbert County 4-H Program and the Elbert County Fair for over 45 years.

Joe and Judy have always been big supporters of the Elbert County Junior Market Sale. Their son Joey, and daughter-in-law Colleen, continue to carry on with that tradition. The Freund family and Running Creek Ranch have spent significant funds over the years as buyers for the Market Sale, enriching countless exhibitors with their generosity.

Judy was an active 4-H leader for over 10 years. She won the Colorado State Leader Award during that time. Her daughter, Lynne, shares stories about her mom during fair clean-up day and how she wanted to be sure the fairgrounds were sparkling clean and tidy before fair and would often clean during the fair. Judy would bake pies for the Snack Shack, and they were always big sellers.Sadly, Judy passed away in 2025 but will always be remembered for her sweet nature and giving spirit.

Joey and Lynne were active long-time 4-H members. They started showing pigs and moved on to cattle later in their 4-H careers. With her mom as her leader, Lynne also participated in the cooking and sewing projects.

Joe and Joey are the Superintendents for the Elbert County Fair Horse Pull and have been for many years. The event is always a fair favorite and will again entertain crowds this year. Joe and Joey are also Superintendents for the Nation Western Stock Show Horse Pull. In addition, they have shown Limousin bulls in the Limousin Show at the National Western and the Fed Beef Contest. Joey is also famous for doing the Rocky Mountain oysters for the Elbert County Leaders Gala.

Colleen is a past Elbert County Fair Queen, was a 10 year 4-H member and was a main leader for the Rattlesnake 4-H Club for over 15 years. She was instrumental in the success of the 4-H Silent Auction fundraiser. Joey and Collen’s children; Grace, Ethan, and Soren were all also active, long-time 4-H members and contributed their youth leadership skills as well.

Running Creek ranch has always been willing to work behind the scenes, whether it be by providing equipment and supplies to help make the fair run smoother or lending a hand where needed. They have also hauled livestock and, in the past, have done the buyback for beef for a couple of years to offer buyers a larger credit.

The family are all members of the Ava Maria Catholic Church in Parker.

Thank you to the entire Freund family and Running Creek Ranch for all you have done for the good of the Elbert County 4-H program and the Elbert County Fair! Your years of selfless service have not gone unnoticed, and we are honored for you to be our 2026 recipient!